The first “diners” back in the 1890’s were horse-drawn wagons on wheels that would park on the city streets and serve their meals similar to today’s “fast food” concept.
By the 1920’s, diners were manufactured as a permanent structure resembling the original wagon style. The style changed into a more streamlined appearance by the 1930’s but business was not brisk until after the depression.

The demand increased after 1945 and spread to the midwest when there were a dozen diner manufacturers making the diners with many modern amenities including air conditioning, stainless steel exteriors and large windows. This surge lasted about 15 years until the advent of fast-food restaurants.

Since 1970, there has been a new interest in diners with it’s retro appearance and many can be seen and visited across America.